SOUTHPORT second XV took the short journey to Ormskirk for their second encounter, having lost 15-5 at Waterloo Road earlier this season.

However, Southport have been experiencing something of a resurgence in recent weeks and nothing whets the appetite like a derby.

The appointed Society referee failed to show and discussions as to whether the game should be played or not meant a 40 minute delay to the start, so despite having warmed up, the visitors then cooled down, their minds switched off from the task ahead and consequently they were not mentally prepared for the physical game that ensued.

Ormskirk, who have only lost three games this season, looked more prepared for the clash.

A 15 minute period of sustained pressure saw Southport’s defences finally breached as they conceded a converted try. Minutes later Ormskirk added a penalty kick to take the score to 10-0. Shortly before half-time and with the opportunity of a penalty kick to the left of the posts, Watts unusually failed to narrow the gap. The second half was a more balanced affair with few clear cut opportunities for either team, Jacques Meyer having the best opportunity, sidestepping through most of Ormskirk’s defence before off-loading to Bailiff in support. Disappointingly, nobody else was in support of him and the move broke down as a result when Bailiff was tackled short of the line. Pacey then started a spate of replacements as he was forced to leave the field having aggravated his previous injury and was replaced by Stu Molloy. Rik Potter then twisted his knee and was replaced on the right wing by Andy Ball. Parkinson badly sprained his knee as he tried to break from the front of the line out in what looked like an attempted trip. The upshot was Graham Riley had to move to Hooker, forcing Jack Wardale to replace him in the back row and allowing Phil Causey on as full-back.

Ten minutes to go and Ormskirk were back in their visitor’s territory and were awarded a penalty 10 metres from ‘Port’s try line. Electing to run it, they surged forwards, Daz Congdon making his most important contribution of the game as he tackled Ormskirk’s Church low and drove him back to where he belonged. Luck continued to desert Southport right up to the end. They inexplicably failed to clear a clever little chip into space over the top of their centres, instead of diving on the ball and securing it, the bizarre attempt to kick it to touch was missed and the ball bounced up onto the posts and into the hands of the Ormskirk attack.

Regrettably Southport’s pack was unable to build a solid platform from which Meyer could launch phase after phase of attacking rugby which they have shown to be so capable of in recent weeks. They were guilty on numerous occasions of not making it to the breakdown of the ball in the numbers required. The usual communication was also absent as they failed to provide quick ball, again having to hold onto the ball until support arrived.